ac

Amplified backscatter x-ray inspection system

A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. A radiation generation system is configured to emit radiation. A detector system is configured to detect backscatter formed in response to the radiation encountering the object. A redirection system is positioned relative to the detector system and is configured to redirect the backscatter to the detector system.




ac

Dual energy backscatter X-ray shoe scanning device

Dual-energy backscatter x-ray shoe scanning including: pre-processing input image information received from a shoe scanning device and image calibration data received from a database to output an atomic number image; detecting at least one suspect region based off the atomic number image; identifying the at least one detected suspect region as an object class using a changeable list of attributes; and classifying the object class according to a changeable list of categories.




ac

System and method for correcting for metal artifacts using multi-energy computed tomography

A method is provided. The method includes acquiring a first dataset at a first energy spectrum and a second dataset at a second energy spectrum. The method also includes extracting a metal artifact correction signal using the first dataset and the second dataset or using a first reconstructed image and a second reconstructed image generated respectively from the first and the second datasets. The method further includes performing metal artifact correction on the first reconstructed image using the metal artifact correction signal to generate a first corrected image.




ac

Real-time, on-line and offline treatment dose tracking and feedback process for volumetric image guided adaptive radiotherapy

A method of treating an object with radiation that includes generating volumetric image data of an area of interest of an object and emitting a therapeutic radiation beam towards the area of interest of the object in accordance with a reference plan. The method further includes evaluating the volumetric image data and at least one parameter of the therapeutic radiation beam to provide a real-time, on-line or off-line evaluation and on-line or off-line modification of the reference plan.




ac

User interface system

A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively.




ac

Cognitive assessment and treatment platform utilizing a distributed tangible-graphical user interface device

A cognitive disorder diagnostic system that employs cognitive cubes, gameplay associate with the cognitive cubes, and a data gathering as statistical analysis base device that may be a computer, that communicates the gathered data to a web server host according to a unique ID associated with particular cognitive cubes and further associated with a particular player. Using the statistical data gathered using the gameplay, various cognitive disorders may be successfully diagnosed and treated with higher reliability.




ac

System and method for teaching injection techniques of the human head and face

An anatomical model assembly of the human head for use in teaching medical personnel. The anatomical model has an inner base that is shaped as part of the human skull. A first layer of material covers the base. The first layer of material provides a visual indication of at least some muscle groups contained within a human head. A second layer of material is provided that covers the first layer. The second layer of material has an exterior that is shaped with at least some human facial features. The second layer of material and the first layer of material are separate, unattached layers. The material selected for the first layer mimics the suppleness of muscle. The material selected for the top second layer mimics the feel and elasticity of skin. The result is an anatomical model that can be used to accurately teach, plan and practice medical procedures.




ac

Activity monitor, method of calculating target activity amount, and storage medium

The activity monitor (100) includes a basic information acquisition unit (20) that accepts input of basic physical information (BA) of the user's body, a target information acquisition unit (30) that accepts input of the user's target physical expenditure (CS), an activity pattern acquisition unit (40) that acquires pattern information indicating the user's intent on the activity amount (AM), and a target activity calculation unit (50) that determines a target activity amount (TA) on the basis of the basic physical information (BA), the target physical expenditure (CS), and the pattern information acquired by the activity pattern acquisition unit (40).




ac

Educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers

An educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers includes a carpet/game board including ten positively numbered spaces from +1 to +10 inclusive a 0 space and negatively numbered spaces from −1 to −10 inclusive and wherein said positive numbered spaces proceed upwardly in a generally zigzag direction from 0 to plus 10 and the negatively numbered spaces proceed downwardly from 0 to minus 10 and an extra space above the plus 10 and an extra space below the minus 10 wherein the extra space above the plus 10 is a win space and the space below the minus 10 is a lose space. The game also includes a single cube shaped die having six faces with an indication of plus 2, minus 2 and no movement on three of the faces and a plus 1, minus 1 and plus 1 plus and additional turn on the sixth face. Further, the game includes six game pieces of separate distinct colors.




ac

System and method for cardiac defibrillation response simulation in health training mannequin

Configurations for simulation of motions or movement in a health training mannequin for teaching purposes are disclosed. A cardiac defibrillation response simulation apparatus is configured to be housed separately from but interfaced with a health training mannequin to induce motion symptomatic response to electrical shock in the mannequin. In one embodiment a system comprises a motion inducer comprising a housing, an interface structure, and an actuator, wherein the interface structure is coupled to the actuator, movable relative to the housing, and configured to interface with a portion of a health training mannequin to induce motion in at least one portion of the health training mannequin. In another embodiment a method comprises interfacing a portion of a health training mannequin with an interface structure, the interface structure being coupled to an actuator and movable relative to a housing coupled to the actuator, the housing not being housed within a portion of the health training mannequin. Various hardware configurations are presented.




ac

Method and system for acquisition of literacy

A computer-implemented method for enabling a child to learn to read, including maintaining a data store with information that characterizes the reading capabilities of children, receiving a stream of sensor data from one or more input devices, the sensor data representing the speech of a person speaking, the person being either an adult or a child, or a sequence of scenes, identifying a meaningful utterance or a meaningful scene from the stream of sensor data, representing the meaningful utterance or meaningful scene in written text using words and grammar appropriate to the reading level of the child, based on information stored in the data store, providing the output text to a display device for presentation to the child, and receiving user feedback.




ac

Interactive system and method for shooting and target tracking for self-improvement and training

A device configured to track and capture the movement data of a target as well as shooting and firearm movement activity of a hunter includes a housing, a camera, sensors, a processor, a memory, and a battery. The camera is disposed in close proximity to the housing to capture the movement of a target. One or more sensors are disposed in the housing and interfaced with the processor to capture the velocity and orientation of a gun. A trigger activation sensor is also in communication with the processor. The memory stores camera activity, trigger activity, sensor activities, and also stores an alarm setting on the device. The processor activates the alarm setting when predefined criteria are met. Radar can be incorporated to determine the distance of the target from the user. GPS can also be included to provide precise location and time information.




ac

Apparatus and method of simulating a somatosensory experience in space

A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.




ac

Method and system for controlling skill acquisition interfaces

A method and system for capturing expert behavior that the expert is not even necessarily conscious of, such as gaze patterns, that are tied to positive outcomes, and to create a catalog (e.g. database) of these behaviors. The system compares the current behavior of a person, for example a novice, against this catalog of expert behaviors. If the current behavior is significantly different, the system would adapt various aspects of the interface to bring the current behavior closer in line to that of the expert.




ac

Systems and methods for teaching phonemic awareness

A system to teach phonemic awareness uses a plurality of phonemes and a plurality of graphemes. Each phoneme is a unique sound and an indivisible unit of sound in a spoken language, and each grapheme is a written representation of one of the plurality of phonemes. A plurality of distinct graphical images and a plurality of unique names are provided where each unique name is associated with one of the graphical images and represents a grouping of graphemes selected from the plurality of graphemes. The system uses a plurality of sets of display pieces having a plurality of individual display pieces. Each individual display piece includes at least a portion of one of the graphical images and the graphemes from the grouping of graphemes constituting the associated unique name. A predefined instructional environment defines a predefined spatial context and predefined rules governing the acquisition and utilization of individual display pieces.




ac

Automatic rule dropping device for linecasting machines equipped with remote control operating mechanism




ac

Line justifying means and method in selective printing machines




ac

Type setting machine




ac

Spacer for justifying lines of type




ac

Type setting machines




ac

Composing machine improvements




ac

Indicator apparatus for line casting machines




ac

LINE PRINTING WITH PROPORTIONAL SPACING AND JUSTIFICATION




ac

LINE LENGTH AND JUSTIFICATION INDICATOR FOR TYPESETTING MACHINES

A line length remainder and justification indicator device for use with a line composing machine in which the device employs a continuously rotating drum having preselected values of line remainder and justification information indicated thereon. A controlled intermittent flash illuminates only the desired information.




ac

TYPE COMPOSING APPARATUS HAVING NOVEL CHARACTER WIDTH DERIVATION STRUCTURE

Type composing apparatus is disclosed as including means for representing its binary code a series of characters, means for generating a relative width value for each character, means for representing a succession of point size factors, one for each character, and means for multiplying a relative width value assigned to each character by a point size factor for that character. The means for multiplying associated pairs of relative width values and point size factors is disclosed as comprising a memory having stored therein products of relative width values and point size factors. Means are shown for addressing and extracting from the memory an adjusted width value and point size factor. The means for generating a relative width value for each character is depicted as including a read-only integrated circuit memory having permanently stored therein at mutually exclusive addresses a relative width value for each of the characters. One embodiment of a photocomposing machine is disclosed.




ac

Mounting structure with improved stiffness characteristics

A mounting structure 10 having improved stiffness characteristics. The mounting structure 10 includes a pillar 14 which forms a portion of a vehicle body 12 and which operatively supports a vehicle door which is selectively attached to the pillar 14 by hinges 16. The structure 10 includes a pair of “closed-loop” beads which are formed around hinges 16, and which increase the stiffness characteristics of the pillar 14 and of the vehicle door.




ac

Method and apparatus for mitigating signal interference in a feedback system

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that includes adjusting a filter in electrical communication between an input terminal and a demodulator. The filter is applied to an information bearing signal, e.g., to mitigate interference, received at the input terminal, resulting in a filtered signal. An error signal is received, indicative of errors detected within information obtained by demodulation of a modulated carrier of the filtered signal. A modified filter state is determined in response to the error signal and the filter is adjusted according to the modified filter state, e.g., to improve mitigation of the interference. Other embodiments are disclosed.




ac

Data transmission apparatus having frequency synthesizer with integer division factor, corresponding method, and data transmission system

A data transmission apparatus disposed within two network layers operative at different data rates is provided. The data transmission apparatus is coupled to a clock generator which provides a reference clock for a lower network layer and is coupled to a frequency synthesizer with an integer division factor that generates a divided clock for an upper network layer according to the reference clock and the integer division factor. The data transmission apparatus includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit. The first processing circuit corresponding to the upper network layer receives and transmits data by using the divided clock as its operation frequency. The second processing circuit corresponding to the lower network layer receives and transmits data from the first processing circuit by using the reference clock as an operation frequency for encoding data. The divided clock is generated from the frequency synthesizer with the integer division factor.




ac

Surface-wave communications and methods thereof

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system including a frequency mixer that combines a signal and a carrier wave to form a combined signal, and a transmitter that generates a transmission based on the combined signal. The system can also include a coupling device that emits the transmission as an electromagnetic wave guided by an outer surface of a transmission medium. The electromagnetic wave can propagate longitudinally along the surface of the transmission medium and at least partially around the surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.




ac

System and apparatus for interference suppression using macrodiversity in mobile wireless networks

In a wireless network, plural downlink signals from plural base stations are transmitted to a terminal. The plural downlink signals all carry the same information to the terminal. The terminal provides feedback on the downlink channels. The feedback provides information on the taps of the channels. The amount of information fed back is constrained. Based on the feedback, transmission parameters of the downlink signals are adjusted. The process of transmitting, providing feedback, and adjusting the parameters continue so that the energy of the downlink signal is enhanced at the terminal location and suppressed elsewhere. Beam forming can be used to further suppress the energy signature at locations other than the terminal location.




ac

Method and apparatus for calibrating an envelope tracking system

A method of calibrating an envelope tracking system for a supply voltage for a power amplifier module within a radio frequency (RF) transmitter module. The method includes deriving a mapping function between an instantaneous envelope of a waveform signal to be amplified by the power amplifier module and the power amplifier module supply voltage to achieve a constant power amplifier module gain based on a gain compression factor, setting an envelope tracking path of the transmitter module into an envelope tracking mode in which mapping between the instantaneous envelope of the waveform signal and the power amplifier module supply voltage is performed using the derived mapping function, applying a training signal comprising an envelope that varies with time to the RF transmitter module, measuring a battery current, modifying the gain compression factor based on the measured battery current, and re-deriving the mapping function based on the modified gain compression factor.




ac

Characteristic response extraction for non-linear transmit channels

Techniques for extracting the characteristic response of a non-linear channel are presented. In various implementations of the invention, a channel's characteristic response may be determined by identifying a first input sequence, determining the ones compliment of the first input sequence and then determining the response of the channel to these two input sequences. Subsequently, two input matrices and two response matrices may be generated based upon the two input sequences and their corresponding responses. Given these four matrices, a symmetrical response component may be determined by iteratively solving a system of equations formed from the columns of each matrix. Subsequently, given the symmetric component and these four matrices, an asymmetrical response component may be determined by again iteratively solving the system of equations for the columns of each matrix.




ac

Video decoder with enhanced CABAC decoding

A decoder receives a bitstream containing quantized coefficients representative of blocks of video representative of a plurality of pixels and decodes the bitstream using context adaptive binary arithmetic coding that includes at least two decoding modes, the first mode decoding the bitstream based upon a probability estimate which is based upon at least one of spatially and temporally adjacent syntax element values to a current syntax element being decoded, the second mode decoding the bitstream not based upon a probability estimate based upon other syntax elements to the current syntax element being decoded. The coding decodes the current syntax element using the first mode if the current syntax element is intra-coded and selecting between sets probable modes with different probabilities. The coding decodes the current syntax element using the second mode if the current syntax element is intra-coded and if selecting among one of the second set of probable modes.




ac

System and method for managing multimedia communications across convergent networks

A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.




ac

Didactic appliance

Deficiencies in existing attempts at educational software solutions are addressed by providing systems, methods, and devices that both replicate and facilitate the necessary elements of successful classroom-based learning, while taking advantage of the platform-specific benefits of handheld computing devices. Various applications address the issue of the limited screen size of mobile devices by using the motion sensors of the devices both to move from one part of a program to another, thus eliminating the need for on-screen navigation buttons and allowing the entire screen to be used for content, and also to reinforce learning through the use of mnemonics. In these applications, the user rotates the device after completing each step, in sequence, of a process-based series of problem solving techniques. Group learning dynamics are also reproduced through a study group feature.




ac

Creating dynamic interactive views from trace events for performing deterministic performance analysis

View definitions are created for deterministic performance analysis in real-time computing systems, and can then be used to present views for analyzing outliers that occur during run-time execution. Trace data created by a real-time application is compared to a set of view definitions to determine whether the trace data matches the view definition. If so, then related records from the trace are gathered according to specifications in the matched view definition, and calculations (such as elapsed time) can then be performed using the related records. A view definition may be created by prompting a user for selection of parameters to be programmatically inserted into a markup language document. A capability may be provided whereby a user can receive additional information (which is extracted from the trace data, according to specifications in the matched view definition) upon a user gesture such as hovering a selection means over a displayed view.




ac

Gesture based interaction with traffic data

Gesture based interaction with traffic data is disclosed. A virtual broadcast presentation may be generated based on dynamic information such as traffic information, weather information, or other information that may be featured on a virtual broadcast presentation. A gesture made by a user is detected and processed to determine an input command associated with the detected gesture. The virtual broadcast presentation may be manipulated based on the input command.




ac

System and method for adjusting presentation of moving images on an electronic device according to an orientation of the device

The invention relates to a system, method and device for changing a notional viewing location for a moving image on a device, depending on an orientation of the device. For the moving image management system, it comprises: a sensor; a movement detection module connected to the sensor providing movement data registering a notable signal from the sensor; and a moving image adjustment module determining a new viewing location of the moving image utilizing the movement data and generating a replacement moving image for the moving image representing the moving image as viewed from the new viewing location.




ac

Methods, apparatus and systems for generating location-corrected searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations

Generating a corrected electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation. The operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, presence or absence of an underground facility within a dig area. At least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed. First information relating to a location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the first information, the location of the facility and/or the mark is represented to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. Second information relating to a corrected location of the facility and/or the mark is received. Based at least in part on the second information, the corrected location is represented to generate a corrected electronic visual representation of the operation. Third information relating to the corrected representation of the operation is transmitted and/or stored to generate the corrected electronic record of the operation.




ac

Methods, apparatus and systems for generating searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations and assessing aspects of same

A method is disclosed for assessing an aspect relating to a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician based on an electronic representation of the operation. The operation includes locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of an underground facility within a dig area. A portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. The method includes digitally representing, on a display device, the facility and/or the physical locate mark to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes determining a length associated with a portion of the digitally represented facility and/or physical locate mark in the electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes, based on the determined length, automatically assessing the aspect relating to the operation.




ac

Methods, apparatus and systems for generating digital-media-enhanced searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations

Generating a digital-media-enhanced electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician. The locate and/or marking operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A location of the at least one underground facility and/or the at least one physical locate mark is electronically rendered on a display device so as to generate an electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation. At least one digital media file representation of a corresponding digital media file relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation or an environment of the dig area is also electronically rendered on the display device, so as to generate a digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation. Information relating to the digital-media-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the digital-media-enhanced electronic record of the locate and/or marking operation.




ac

Parasitic capacitance compensating transmission line

A transmission line is provided in which a first portion of the transmission line is configured to be connected to a source, and a second portion of the transmission line is configured to be connected to a load. A capacitive element is coupled to the transmission line and is configured to compensate for an impedance difference between the load and at least one of the source or the transmission line, at a frequency within a frequency bandwidth of the load. A difference between an internal capacitance of the first portion of the transmission line and the second portion of the transmission line substantially matches the capacitance of the capacitive element.




ac

Compact broadband impedance transformer

The present invention is directed to an impedance transformation device for use in a system having a characteristic system impedance, the device being characterized by a predetermined bandwidth having a center frequency. The device housing size is one-eighth wavelength of the center frequency. A first coupler is characterized by an even mode impedance and an odd mode impedance. The bandwidth is a function of the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance substantially corresponds to the component port impedance. At least one second coupler is disposed in parallel with the first coupler and is characterized by the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance.




ac

Acoustic wave device

An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, an interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode provided on an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a first dielectric film covering the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate to cover the IDT electrode, and a second dielectric film covering an upper surface of the first dielectric film. The second dielectric film includes a thin portion positioned in a tip region of electrode fingers of the IDT electrode and a thick portion which is positioned in a middle region of the IDT electrode and is thicker than the thin portion. The acoustic wave device suppresses spurious emission and has superior passband characteristics.




ac

Electromagnetic interface secured by using an indirect compression force to slidably engage first and second force transfer features

In an example embodiment, an electromagnetic interface can comprise: a first component comprising a first waveguide channel, a first interface surface, and a first force transfer feature; a second component comprising a second waveguide channel, a second interface surface, and a second force transfer feature; and a fastener that can be configured to force the first force transfer feature in sliding engagement with the second force transfer feature. The first and second force transfer features can be configured to interoperate to create an indirect force holding the first interface surface in contact with the second interface surface and holding the first waveguide channel in alignment with the second waveguide channel.




ac

Ladder type surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer using same

An object of the present invention is to improve the passing characteristic at high temperature in a ladder-type elastic wave filter and a duplexer including the filter. The ladder-type elastic wave filter of the present invention includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first series elastic-wave resonator formed on the piezoelectric substrate and connected in series between the input and output terminals of the filter, a parallel elastic-wave resonator formed on the piezoelectric substrate and connected in parallel between the series elastic-wave resonator and the ground terminal, and a dielectric film formed on the piezoelectric substrate so as to cover the first series elastic-wave resonator. The piezoelectric substrate is formed of a material with a negative temperature coefficient. The dielectric film is formed of a material with a positive temperature coefficient and its film thickness is formed thicker than that with which the frequency-temperature coefficient of the first series elastic-wave resonator becomes 0.




ac

Surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer using same

An SAW filter and a duplexer excellent in electrical characteristics will be provided. An SAW filter has a piezoelectric substrate 40, a surface acoustic wave element 10 having a first IDT electrode 1 on the piezoelectric substrate 40, a first signal line 31 electrically connected to the first IDT electrode 1, and a ring-shaped reference potential line 9 which has a first intersecting portion intersecting with the first signal line 31 through an insulation member 41 and surrounds the surface acoustic wave element 10.




ac

Capacitive device and resonance circuit

To provide a capacitive device capable of accurately securing a capacitance value, a variable capacitive device capable of sufficiently securing a capacity variability rate, and a resonance circuit that uses the capacitive devices. A capacitive device includes a capacitive device body constituted of a dielectric layer and at least a pair of capacitive device electrodes that sandwich the dielectric layer and cause a desired electric field in the dielectric layer; and stress adjustment portions to adjust a stress caused in the dielectric layer of the capacitive device body.




ac

Surface acoustic wave resonator, surface acoustic wave oscillator, and electronic apparatus

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator and a SAW oscillator and an electronic apparatus including the resonator are to be provided. A SAW resonator includes: an IDT exciting a SAW using a quartz crystal substrate of Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°); one pair of reflection units arranged so as allow the IDT to be disposed therebetween; and grooves acquired by depressing the quartz crystal substrate located between electrode fingers. When a wavelength of the SAW is λ, and a depth of the grooves is G, “0.01λ≦G” is satisfied.




ac

Electronic dobby-and-jacquard-loom weaving machine and weaving method

The present invention discloses an electronic-dobby-and-jacquard-loom weaving machine and a weaving method. The machine comprises a weaving body, a first warp beam, a second warp beam, a jacquard loom, a dobby loom, a harness frame, a plurality of first harness wires, a plurality of second harness wires, a plurality of harness cords, a plurality of return springs and at least one weft accumulator, wherein the weaving body and the jacquard loom are connected with a synchronous transmission mechanism between them; the synchronous transmission mechanism comprises a weaving spindle, a main motor encoder, a jacquard loom transmission shaft, a jacquard loom encoder, a gear box and a servo control system. The present invention improves the clarity of the fell (shed), widens the fell, keeps the fell clear stably, and realizes high-density jacquard weaving.